04 June 2023 , 14:50
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Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Neymar after the pair were able to reunite at PSG.
The Argentine played his final match for the Parisians as they were undone in surprising fashion by Clermont at the Parc des Princes on Saturday. Messi's exit has long been expected and earlier this week Christophe Galtier confirmed that the World Cup winner's two years in France would be coming to an end.
Messi has been unable to enjoy the success he and the club envisaged, which led to boos on his final home outing. A switch to Ligue 1 did allow him to play once more with Neymar, whom he played with at Barcelona and retains a strong bond with, which was underlined by an emotional social media post.
He said: “Thanks Ney! Beyond everything else, we were able to enjoy playing together again and sharing our days. I wish you all the best. Apart from being a crack, you're a beautiful person and that's what is important in the end. I love you so much Neymar.”
The pair first began playing together in 2013 when the Brazilian made the switch to the Nou Camp from Santos. In their second season the duo combined with Luis Suarez to form one of them most destructive front threes of the modern era, helping Barcelona claim the treble.
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That remains Neymar's only European Cup success after he chose to leave the Catalans in 2017, moving to PSG for a world-record fee. He's shown regular moments of brilliance but the French side are yet to conquer Europe, but Neymar felt the addition of Messi would be a game changer.
Lionel Messi and Neymar have had two years together at PSG (Getty)When it became clear in 2021 that Messi was on the move he told ESPN: "What I want most of all is to play with Messi again, to be able to enjoy him once again on the pitch. He can play in my place, I have no problem with that. But I want to play with him next year, for sure. We have to do it next season."
Messi's exit is confirmed whilst Neymar's future too is uncertain amid speculation he could leave PSG for Manchester United. Erik ten Hag refused to pour water on a move for the Brazilian, who could be a marquee signing for a potential new owners at Old Trafford.
The Argentine meanwhile has several options available to him. Barcelona are keen to have Messi back at the Nou Camp, but financial implications could hamper their efforts. Switches to the MLS or Saudi Arabia are also feasible.